Strategic Priorities and Evaluation Criteria

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Strategic Priorities and Evaluation Criteria

JUSFC’s commissioners make all funding decisions in accordance with these Grantmaking Guidelines and Procedures consistent with the provisions of EO 14332. The decisions ensure accountability and consistency with JUSFC’s statutory mission and U.S. national interests (EO 14332, Section 3).

Assessment Criteria Framework

Commissioners evaluate applications considering:

  1. Advancing the United States’s National Interests All grant applications are assessed based on their potential to demonstrably advance U.S. national interests by:
    1. Fostering U.S. competency on Japan and Japanese understanding of the United States
    2. Contributing to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and bilateral cooperation
    3. Demonstrating commitment to high-quality, impactful scholarship (EO 14332, Section 5)
    4. Including clear metrics for assessing progress and success (2 CFR 200.1)
    5. Showing efficient use of resources with reasonable indirect costs (preferably 15% or less) (2 CFR 200.1
  2. Project Merit and Impact
    1. Potential to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations and U.S. interests
    2. Alignment with JUSFC statutorily established priorities (P.L. 94-118; see Section 3(b)):
    3. Sustaining Japan Studies
    4. Supporting emerging scholars and practitioners
    5. Fostering innovative approaches to Japan-related knowledge and resources
    6. Quality of proposed activities and methodology
    7. Institutional capacity and commitment
    8. Resource efficiency and responsible budget management (2 CFR 200.1)
  3. Detailed Evaluation Considerations
    1. Strategic Impact and Significance
      1. What is the anticipated impact of the project for the United States and for the U.S.-Japan relationship?
      2. Potential to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations and advance U.S. interests
      3. Contribution to U.S. cultural competency and global leadership
      4. Enhancement of U.S. diplomatic capabilities and strategic partnerships
    2.  Project Merit and Implementation
      1. Quality of proposed activities and methodology
      2. Institutional capacity and organizational commitment
      3. How will the applicant monitor implementation and communicate impact?
      4. Sustainability planning and long-term vision
    3. Resource Stewardship
      1. What is the greatest need for JUSFC funding?
      2. How will the applicant cost-share and leverage JUSFC funding to seek support from other organizations?
      3. Evidence of financial responsibility and budget justification
      4. Demonstration of matching funds or cost-sharing arrangements